Who Does Peyton End Up With In One Tree Hill

Okay, let's talk about something HUGE: One Tree Hill romances. Specifically, who Peyton Sawyer really should have ended up with.

The Obvious Choice: Lucas Scott

Yeah, yeah, I know. Lucas and Peyton are practically endgame. They have that angsty, tortured artist thing going on. It's all very dramatic, right?

But hear me out. Were they actually good for each other? Or just really good at staring longingly into each other's eyes in the rain?

The Problem with Lucas

Lucas was a bit...intense. Everything was SO serious with him. Did they ever just, like, laugh?

Also, the constant drama! From Dan to Keith to his ever changing love interest to finding Haley's voice! Who can keep up?

The "He's a Jerk, But..." Option: Jake Jagielski

Okay, I know Jake had issues. He was a young dad on the run, but Jake got Peyton.

He saw her vulnerabilities. And he accepted her weirdness. He was kind, genuine, and a seriously good influence on her, not to mention the hottest guy in the show!.

Plus, he was a good dad! Gotta give him points for that!

My Unpopular Opinion: Peyton Should Have Chosen Herself

Controversial, I know! But seriously, did Peyton ever really get a chance to figure out who she was outside of a relationship?

She was constantly defined by her relationships with men. Maybe her greatest love was music and art.

She was always trying to fix someone or be someone else's savior. What if she had spent that energy on herself? Imagine Peyton fully realized.

Think about it. Peyton, a successful artist. Travelling the world. Collecting tattoos. Being fiercely independent.

She could have found a partner who complemented her already awesome life. Not someone she needed to complete her.

But What About Sawyer?

Okay, okay, I hear you. What about Sawyer? Wouldn't she need a dad?

Lucas could still be a fantastic, involved dad. Maybe even healthier without the romantic pressure.

He doesn't need to be married to Peyton to be a good father. It's called co-parenting, people! It has become quite popular now!

So, Who Does Peyton Really End Up With?

In the show, Peyton ends up with Lucas. Happy ever after. The end.

But in my headcanon? Peyton chooses herself. She becomes the awesome, independent artist she was always meant to be.

She's surrounded by friends and family who love her. And maybe, just maybe, she finds a partner who loves her for exactly who she is.

And who knows maybe this other awesome man will get her taste for music.

Because honestly, that's the kind of ending Peyton Sawyer deserved.

What do you think? Am I totally off base? Let me know your thoughts!